BancPlus Announces Leadership Succession Plan

Strategic Insights -

Bill Ray, President and Chief Executive Officer of BancPlus Corp., is set to retire on December 31, 2025, after more than four decades of leadership, taking the company from USD 100m to nearly USD 8bn in assets. Jack Webb, President and Chief Executive Officer of BankPlus, will also retire on June 30, 2026, after 30 years of leadership. The Boards of Directors of BancPlus Corp. and BankPlus have appointed Kirk Graves as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of BancPlus Corp. and Chairman of the Boards of BancPlus Corp. and BankPlus, effective January 1, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bill Ray, President and Chief Executive Officer of BancPlus Corp., will retire on December 31, 2025, after more than four decades of leadership, taking the company from USD 100m to nearly USD 8bn in assets.
  • Jack Webb, President and Chief Executive Officer of BankPlus, will retire on June 30, 2026, after 30 years of leadership.
  • Kirk Graves, currently Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President at BankPlus, will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of BancPlus Corp. and Chairman of the Boards of BancPlus Corp. and BankPlus, effective January 1, 2026.
  • Bryan Jones, Chairman and Director of the boards of BancPlus Corp. and BankPlus, will retire from the boards, effective December 31, 2025, and be succeeded by Kirk Graves.
  • The Board has also elected Charles White as Lead Independent Director, effective January 1, 2026, reinforcing the company's commitment to strong corporate governance and independent oversight.
  • BancPlus Corp. is the holding company of BankPlus, founded in 1909, with total assets of over USD 7.8bn, operating 81 financial centers throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.

Statistics:

  • BancPlus has grown from USD 100m to nearly USD 8bn in assets under Bill Ray's leadership.
  • Jack Webb has guided BankPlus through significant growth and successful expansion into Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.
  • Kirk Graves has over 35 years' experience in the banking industry, serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of State Bank and Trust Company, and holding key leadership roles spanning commercial banking, risk management, and corporate strategy.
  • BancPlus operates 81 financial centers throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.

Sources:

  • "Graves to Take Over as CEO, Chairman at BancPlus" by M2 EQUITYBITES-August 22, 2025.